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Volkswagen dipping toe into aftermarket waters

If what it showed off at last week's SEMA show is any indication, Volkswagen has designs on expanding its aftermarket accessory lineup, but whatever you do, don't call it pimping. They prefer a kinder, gentler term called Euro-Tuning.

Volkswagen had two cars on display at this year's show, a Rabbit dubbed Thunder Bunny and a performance-tuned R GTI.Thunder Bunny (pictured above);features a 225-hp turbocharged version of Volkswagen's 2.5-liter inline five massaged by the Neuspeed tuning shop, which specializes in VW tuning. The vehicle is also equipped with Brembo brakes, Bilstein shocks, a short-throw shifter and 19-inch wheels.Unlike most of the outrageous creations at SEMA, VW is planning to parade Thunder Bunny around to various events around the country to gauge reaction. If the feedback comes back positive, it could eventually make it to production in some form.The R GTI (pictured at left);takes elements from the R-concepts that VW brought to its first ever SEMA show appearance last year well as the R32 model of the previous-generation GTI. Any serious expansion of its accessory offerings would definitely include pieces seen on the R-concepts as the design has already been done and is familiar to the public.Volkswagen also announced at SEMA an appearance package inspired by last year's sizzling RGT Passat concept (below). Called the Passat Hi-Def package, it will be limited to 2,000 units and will become available in December. In addition, VW was touting an appearance package for the Rabbit that is available through its accessories catalog.